Realty Growth Report: Recent Episodes
Realty Growth Report
In this Podcast we talk about Commercial Real Estate in Rochester, Minnesota and beyond. Our conversations also stretch into business, investment properties, experiences in the industry, and more.
Come listen, learn, and enjoy getting to know the Realty Growth team.
Within these episodes, we try to keep our conversations to 20 Minutes. That allows for the listener to not have to spend all day and helps us getting back to our clients.
Is the traditional office space dead, or is it just waiting for a better model?
In this episode of the Real Growth Podcast, host Justin sits down with Andrew Robinson, founder of Slingshot Real Estate. Andrew shares how he transitioned from managing $180M+ institutional assets at CBRE to building Rochester’s largest private office ecosystem from the ground up.
Andrew unpacks his vision for "The Hub on Third" in downtown Rochester, explaining why younger professionals are trading open coworking desks for high-value, frictionless private offices. From leveraging AI to slash overhead costs to resolving stressful tenant crises with empathy, this conversation provides a raw look at what it actually takes to be a boots-on-the-ground property operator.
Key takeaways from this episode:
- The Turnkey Shift: Why the work-from-home era has run its course and how the hybrid model is driving the need for private, "white-glove" office space.
- Active Management vs. Trend Chasing: How to uncover hidden value in distressed, negative-cash-flow assets by focusing purely on the end-user experience.
- The Lean Startup Playbook: How Andrew built his business infrastructure and website using ChatGPT and Grok for a fraction of traditional agency costs.
- Avoiding Analysis Paralysis: Andrew’s ultimate piece of advice for young entrepreneurs on stretching your time horizon and being "dumb enough to just jump in".
Whether you are an aspiring investor, an entrepreneur looking for room to scale, or curious about the changing landscape of commercial real estate, this episode offers a practical blueprint for active business growth.
00:00 — Introduction to Miguel Aguilera and Hidden Pines
01:48 — Crafting the Menu: The Story Behind the Famous Cucumber Sticks
03:35 — Growing Up in the Business: From Men's Warehouse to Restaurant Management
06:08 — The Lakeside Food Shack Experiment: Elbow-to-Elbow Entrepreneurship
09:05 — Discovering the Space: The Mandeville Golf Course Opportunity
11:34 — The Board Room: Navigating Multi-Person Commercial Leases
13:58 — Off-Market Real Estate: Unlocking Vacant Spaces for Small Business
17:40 — Viral Marketing: How TikTok and Facebook Reels Changed the Game
21:12 — The Slow Hours: Pushing Through the Consistency Struggle
23:55 — Do Igloos Melt? Funny Phone Calls and Creating Experiences
25:32 — Expanding the Portfolio: Transitioning Into Real Estate
28:10 — Teaching First-Time Buyers the Value of Equity
31:22 — Final Advice: Put Your Customers and Employees First
Thank you for watching! Subscribe to our channel for lots of great commercial real estate and business content.
▼Follow Realty Growth▼
►INSTAGRAM - @rgigroup
►FACEBOOK - @rgiroch
►TWITTER - @rgigroup
►LINKTREE - https://www.linktr.ee/rgigroup
►PODCAST - https://audioboom.com/channels/501585...
►LISTINGS - http://www.rgi-group.com/properties
►PHONE - 507-289-8000
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At just 26 years old, Avery Ternberg is turning her lifelong passion for Pilates into a reality with the opening of Revive Pilates Co. In this episode, Avery joins Justin to discuss her journey from recovering after high school sports injuries to launching a boutique fitness studio in Northwest Rochester.
00:00 — Introduction to Avery Ternberg and Revive Pilates Co
01:38 — Smashing the Stigma: Why Pilates is for Every Body
01:51 — The History of Pilates: From WWI Rehabilitation to Today
03:52 — Avery’s Personal Story: Overcoming Injuries and Finding Pilates
06:50 — The Mind-Body Connection and Mental Health Benefits
08:50 — The Leap into Entrepreneurship: Overcoming the Fear of Starting
10:14 — Navigating Business Planning and Imposter Syndrome
15:58 — Building a Community: Marketing and Revive’s Signature App
18:50 — Real Estate & Location: Why Sarah Place in Rochester was the Perfect Fit
21:58 — Interior Design: Creating a Warm, Natural Light-Filled Studio
24:32 — The Construction Process: Working with Contractors and Local Partners
28:10 — The Importance of Asking Questions as a New Business Owner
31:54 — Final Advice For Aspiring Entrepreneurs
▼Follow Realty Growth▼
►INSTAGRAM - @rgigroup
►FACEBOOK - @rgiroch
►TWITTER - @rgigroup
►LINKTREE - https://www.linktr.ee/rgigroup
►PODCAST - https://audioboom.com/channels/5015851-real-growth-podcast
►LISTINGS - http://www.rgi-group.com/properties
►PHONE - 507-289-8000
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In this episode of the Real Growth Podcast, Gunnar Grimsrud got to sit down with friend and client, Stephan Olander, owner of Sneaker City. Stephan shares his experience navigating the high-demand world of sneaker resale and the discipline required to maintain a physical retail presence in a digital-heavy industry.
In this episode, we discuss:
Retail Resilience: The reality of staying in business when many others have left the industry.
The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Why real-world experience and networking often outweigh traditional paths.
Building a Brand: How focus and consistency allow a small business to thrive in a niche market.
At Realty Growth, we are passionate about the success of small businesses. Stephan’s story provides valuable insight for any entrepreneur looking to turn a passion into a sustainable company.
sneakerhead #RealGrowthPodcast #Entrepreneurship #SneakerCity #RochesterMN #Mankato
Thank you for watching! Subscribe to our channel for lots of great commercial real estate and business content.
▼Follow Realty Growth▼
►INSTAGRAM - @rgigroup
►FACEBOOK - @rgiroch
►TWITTER - @rgigroup
►LINKTREE - https://www.linktr.ee/rgigroup
►PODCAST - https://audioboom.com/channels/501585...
►LISTINGS - http://www.rgi-group.com/properties
►PHONE - 507-289-8000
00:00 – Intro
00:52 – Introducing Stephan Olander: Background and Rochester Roots
01:40 – The Scheels Years: Identifying the Gap in the Sneaker Market
02:23 – Trading Up: From Facebook Marketplace to Launching a Business
03:26 – The Rise of Sneaker City: From Underground to the Apache Mall
05:54 – Facing the Big Boxes: The Real Story of Leaving the Mall
07:31 – Expansion and Growing Pains: Moving to Mankato and New Locations
09:33 – Shifting the Business Model: Closing Physical Stores for Cost Efficiency
11:12 – Defining Freedom: Prioritizing Family, Faith, and Time
14:12 – A Husband and Wife Duo: Entering the Real Estate Market
17:34 – Wealth and Work-Life Balance: Business on Your Own Terms
20:55 – Looking Ahead: Bringing Sneaker Culture Back to Rochester in 2026
22:09 – Sneaker Showcase: The Stories Behind the Travis Scotts and Trophy Rooms
23:01 – State of the Market: Surviving the Post-COVID Resale Slump
23:59 – Adapting to Live Streaming: Coin Flips and Whatnot Auctions
26:24 – The Investment Game: Is Holding Sneakers Still Profitable?
29:33 – Got Soul: Traveling to Major Events and Meeting Celebrities
33:55 – The Ethics of Clothing: Why Sneaker City Left the Apparel Space
37:51 – Final Take: Why Real-World Experience Outpaces a College Degree
In this episode of the Real Growth Podcast, host Nick chats with Eric Funk of Emerald Financial Group (Thrivent) to discuss the growth through his 24-year career in financial services. Eric shares his journey from starting out in the industry to now breaking ground on a brand-new commercial headquarters in NW Rochester, MN, offering a blueprint for building a high-impact team and a legacy-driven business.
Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to scale or a professional interested in community-focused leadership, this episode offers practical insights on growing a business that prioritizes its clients and its culture.
In this episode of the Real Growth Podcast, Nick Pompeian gets to sit down with our newest colleague at Realty Growth, VP of Development and Acquisitions, Micah Nelson. With a background ranging from elite investment management to hands-on small business ownership, Micah brings a unique, data-driven perspective to the Rochester real estate market. This conversation explores the diverse experiences that shaped Micah’s approach to investment and community.
Some Highlights
00:00 – New Headquarters & Updated Set Tour
01:32 – Micah Nelson’s Unique Professional Path
01:54 – Growing Up in Rochester and Local Community Roots
02:34 – From Mathematical Finance to Private Equity
03:50 – Heifer and the Hen: The Science of Scratch-Made Ice Cream
05:59 – Real Estate vs. Nvidia: Analyzing Cash Flow Confidence
06:22 – The University of Wisconsin & Top-Tier Real Estate Training
07:47 – Life Lessons from Running a Small Business
11:47 – The COVID-19 Impact and Pivoting Careers
19:12 – The Autonomous Frontier: Riding in a Driverless 18-Wheeler
24:45 – The Future of AI and Autonomous Trucking Safety
29:08 – Why Rochester is a Rare Market for Growth and Stability
Thank you for watching! Subscribe to our channel for lots of great commercial real estate and business content.
▼Follow Realty Growth▼
►INSTAGRAM - @rgigroup
►FACEBOOK - @rgiroch
►TWITTER - @rgigroup
►LINKTREE - https://www.linktr.ee/rgigroup
►PODCAST - https://audioboom.com/channels/501585...
►LISTINGS - http://www.rgi-group.com/properties
Bedo Rodriguez has been practicing ceramics for two decades, but recently took the leap to bring his love for the craft to the Rochester community through his own business. Today, he is the owner of Aveli Pottery, a teaching studio offering kids' camps, adult classes, and 24-hour memberships.
In this episode of the Real Growth Podcast, we discuss the grit required to move from a hobby to a professional operation where "the bills need to be paid". Bedo opens up about the "tough lessons" of unexpected costs, the logistics of hauling 1,000 pounds of clay to control expenses, and why a record player and a coffee pot are essential for his studio environment.
Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Bedo’s advice is simple: take a chance on yourself.
In this episode of the Real Growth Podcast, we sit down with Alli Robertson, the creative force behind the YouTube channel Restored by Alli. Alli shares her journey from posting casual house restoration updates for her family to strategically growing an online community all while being a freelance designer and woodworker.
Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer, or an aspiring YouTuber, Alli’s insights on the "giant beast" that is the algorithm and the importance of professional first impressions will change how you view your online presence.
Alli's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@restoredbyalli
Karen & Jeremy have been climbing for years, they met at a climbing gym. now they own married. They are climbing and business partners for life. Justin joins them and they chat about the small things in business as well as the interesting aspects of running a climbing gym!
PJ Calkins started his career making buttons with his siblings and that business, Affordable Buttons, is still thriving. He now has moved on to other ventures and his journey is inspiring no matter what field you may be in.
This week's host: Nick Pompeian
Adam Hartman is a seasoned financial mind. As a Portfolio Manager at Home Federal Savings Bank, he has worked in the Rochester, MN market for much of his career. He shares with us a lot of valuable information as well as a great story about his time working with the State of MN during the mortgage collapse of 2008.
This week's host: Gunnar Grimsrud
Shauna Anderson owns Papa's Roast Coffee Trailer as well as MenSalon with her father and mother in Rochester, MN. Steve Anderson joins us as well. They discuss business ownership and the challenges that go along with growth and owning a business with family.
This week's host: Justin Collopy
Chris Sikkema has a really cool job as Head of Special Projects at the Episcopal Church. He was even on TMZ during the royal wedding a couple years back. Chris is a delight and a great conversationalist.
This week's host: Nick Pompeian
Video on YouTube, Realty Growth Inc
https://youtu.be/mBpux5PPBho
Steve Dunn has a history that could never fit into a podcast. He tells us some stories of his past business ventures that will really inspire you. His vibrant personality and knowledge of the restaurant and commercial industry is enthralling.
This week's host: Dylan Carty
Zach Alms is the owner of 507 Capital. Coming from a family of Realtors he has grown up around the concept of investing. Now he helps others make money. This conversation is very informative while also remains palatable if you are new to the industry.
This week's host: Dylan Carty
If you live in Rochester, MN you probably already know Sunny Prabhakar. If not, meet the serial entrepreneur himself! Sunny co-owns Aventi Entertainment he also has his hands in many other projects.
This week's host: Nick Pompeian
Will Forsman, Operating Owner of Cafe Steam joins our host and Cafe Steam fan club president, Nick Pompeian. They give us a look into the backgound of Rochester's "coolest" coffee shop. Will shares the story of how he got involved with Cafe' steam ownership as well as many other valuable growth stories and insights. Thanks for watching or listening!
This week on the REal Growth Podcast, we are joined by D'Angelo Tines of Popus Gourmet Popcorn in Rochester, MN. He and Bucky Beeman chat about the grind of business, going back to college days and the lessons learned early on in the business. They dive into a bunch of other great concepts as well, so enjoy the podcast!
We are joined by Nate Skare of Skare Spine and Performance in Rochester, MN. Before beginning a career in chiropractic performance, Nate was a high level athlete in High School and College sports, giving him that edge in practice and made for an interesting conversation about growth!
More about Nate and his business
https://www.skarespineperform.com/pages/about-dr-nate-skare
Our Linktree
linktr.ee/rgigroup
On this episode of the Real Growth Podcast, Bucky Beeman has a great conversation with the Miller brothers- entrepreneurs in the construction industry. Gary and Brandon talk about their growth in business and the way that you can get better at learning, listening and a how a very high-priced workshop also might help your bottom line.
Bucky Beeman sits down with Kayla Shurson of Shurson Group in Rochester, MN. It was a great conversation about her growth in business as she never planned to be an entrepreneur and somehow fell into it. It's a great story and we all had a lot of fun asking her accounting questions after the podcast wrapped. (Kidding!) Enjoy the Podcast.
Nick sits down with an old friend, Natalie Victoria, owner of Victoria's Restaurant & Wine Bar (and more) and chats about life, passion for entrepreneurialism and the complexities of running a family business!
This week on the Real Growth Podcast Realty Growth's Gunnar Grimsrud chats with client, now friend, Allison Kocak. Allison owns Companion Acres, a dog boarding facility in South Rochester, MN. Gunnar was the agent responsible for helping Allison on the long and sometimes challenging journey to find the perfect place for her business. They also talk about life, parenting and the unexpected aspects of entrepreneurship. Find the video version of the Podcast on Youtube and Spotify.
In this week's Real Growth Podcast, Bucky Beeman sat down with Brad Vigesaa of Nerdin Out, based in Rochester, MN with a location in Inver Grove Heights as well. They discuss the nuances of business, and how to handle rapid growth, as well as the effects of 2020 we are still seeing today. Besides Nerdin Out Con in Rochester, he also talks about his newest venture coming to Minneapolis, Minnesota Con, an event he has programmed that will surely be a staple in MN as the years go on!
Check out Nerdin Out at http://www.nerdinout.com
Nick Pompeian sits down with his brother, Aaron Pompeian to talk business and Aaron's growth as an entrepreneur going from corporate America to owning Minnesota's beloved BBQ shack, John Hardy's BBQ.
One of our hosts, and co-owner of Realty Growth Inc., Nick Pompeian, chats with Gunnar Grimsrud, fellow Agent here at RGI. They talk about college, making decisions about the future, personal growth, work-life balance, and making dreams come true for clients. Along the way they come to realize that much of their business background journey is similar.
Gunnar was raised in Rochester, MN and has a strong passion for the area and its people. After graduating from Mayo High School in 2015, he went on to play football and study business economics at South Dakota State University. It was in college that he developed a passion for real estate, and upon graduating he returned home to Rochester to start his real estate career. Specializing in commercial real estate, Gunnar has helped dozens of business owners with their buying, selling, and leasing needs since the beginning of 2020.
When not helping real estate clients, Gunnar also works as an insurance advisor specializing in plans that work with Medicare and is the defensive coordinator for the Mayo High School varsity football team. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife Erin, his son Griffin, and his dog “Minnie”, named after Minnesota. If you are looking for a well-rounded, down-to-earth advisor who will treat you like family, Gunnar is your guy!
Bucky Beeman and Evan Koehler have a great discussion about business, growth, success, social media and more!
Evan owns Evans Companies, a Byron, MN based company that does landscaping and excavating. He was a delight to spend time with in the studio and hope you enjoy this chat.
Video version on our YouTube @RealtyGrowthInc
On this week's episode, Bucky Beeman chats with the power couple behind The Fit Loon, in Rochester, MN. They discuss the buildout, surprises along the way, the sacrifice it takes to start a business, and much more! enjoy the conversation with this delightful couple, and go say hi if you are ever looking for a refreshing shake or tea in downtown Rochester.
Find them online at
www.facebook.com/thefitloon/
www.instagram.com/thefitloon/
This week on the Real Growth Podcast Bucky Beeman sat down with James Keller the owner of Keller Tattoo. To talk about his start in the sign business and transition into the Tattoo business. As well as his background working in the Church Ministry & the Entrepreneur world and the local community.
A major takeaway that James learned in the years of business is that you need to take time and balance life and work outside of the workday.
Holding yourself accountable and not forcing things or saying the wrong things that could lead to negative actions. Forcing yourself to be transparent and have integrity and respect.
James shut the doors of his sign business and walked away to dedicate his life to Jesus to become a better person and let God guide him through faith.
James knew he could use his God-given talents to have a ministry in the Tattoo industry that was normally based in darkness.
His apprenticeship opportunity came from a friend of his who hosted bible studies for 5 years with him. This friend was working in the tattoo industry and was looking for an apprentice for his shop.
James knew if anyone could do it he could do the job with his motivation and work ethic. James' design background helped him do the job and design the space he built in downtown Rochester!
Currently, James has another tattoo artist working under him, and now his wife is working on her apprenticeship and then getting into tattoo eyeliner & other beauty covers ups.
Find James online or book a session at
www.kellertattoo.com or find him on Facebook or Instagram at www.facebook.com/KellerTattoos/
www.instagram.com/imjameskeller/
On this week's podcast, Nick Pompeian and Laura Elwood talk about Rochester Trolley & Tour Company and her background and upbringing in Rochester, MN.
This week on the RGI Podcast Nick Pompeian and Matt Gove talk to Billy Connor about his career and background in Residential Real Estate in Decorah Iowa.
This week on the Realty Growth Report Nick Pompeian and Bucky Beeman talk about last month's trip to ICSC 2022 in Las Vegas. Nick and Bucky talk about who they met and some takeaways from the event.
Ben Ritz and Nick Pompeian talk about college, summer internship, entrepreneurial inspirations/goals, and past times outside of school and work.
"Joining Realty Growth, What's Going on at RGI and The Future of the Company"
By Nick Pompeian, Bucky Beeman and Dylan Carty
Bucky Beeman talks with Nate Carty about his start in Residential Real Estate, joining his brother Dylan Carty at Realty Growth Inc. Nate talks about the experiences and stories he has learned from so far in the last 5 years of Management for Realty Growth. Nate tells us about owning property of his own and plans for the future of owning and running a self-service carwash.
Nick Pompeian and Dylan Carty co-owners of Realty Growth Inc talk about getting started in real estate, the many hats of a commercial real estate broker, building relationships, and a fine balance between work, life, and planning for the future.
Matt Gove is newly licensed in real estate sales and leasing. Coming from a career in education real estate was a brand new industry to embark in. Matt in a short two months has learned so much about the CRE industry. In this audio podcast, you will learn about his experience learning this great business. You will also learn more about Matt and his life growing up in Rochester, Minnesota. SHOW LESS
The Pros and Cons of real estate investing, we go through several points of "need to know information" when considering investing in real estate. Join our team members Tanner Nordlund and Nick Pompeian as they discuss investing.
The Realty Growth Report brings you a discussion with Nick Pompeian the owner of Realty Growth and Tanner Nordlund a recent addition to the growing team. As we continually adapt to the new ways of doing business given the current climate, these two discuss what that looks like. This time in history is changing the commercial real estate market in Rochester, Minnesota, and beyond.
In this episode, Nick Pompeian and Tanner Nordlund sit down and chat about the current real estate market, current trends, and future predictions for the city. Nick Pompeian, owner of Realty Growth, has been in the real estate game since July 2010. He takes after his father, one of the original founders of RGI, and has been running the company alongside Bucky Beeman since 2012. Nick is involved in developments and hospitality within the community. Tanner Nordlund is new to the commercial real estate industry with a background in residential real estate. Tanner has been building business by helping small business owners find locations in the Rochester area. The Realty Growth team is here to help, learn, and listen from people passionate about commercial real estate investment. Realty Growth Inc: www.rgi-group.com
Extract Creative behind the edit and production: http://www.extractcreative.com
Nicks Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-pompeian-25111a70
Tanners Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanner-nordlund-54283878/
In this episode Dylan Carty and Tanner Nordlund sit down to discuss the real estate market, investment ideas, apartment investing, and more! Learn from two real estate agents in the Rochester, Minnesota market.
Dylan Carty manages apartment buildings and commercial buildings in the Rochester area. Dylan has been building his business for several years and is creating a strong team to help property owners with the investments they are making in Southeast, Minnesota.
Tanner Nordlund is new to the commercial real estate industry with a background in residential real estate. Tanner has been building business by helping small business owners find locations in the Rochester area.
The Realty Growth team is here to help, learn, and listen from people passionate about commercial real estate investment.
Tanner Nordlund and Bucky Beeman were brainstorming what they should do in 2020 with the team. The idea was simple "LET'S START A PODCAST". You are getting the 1st ever podcast right here and now!
In this first episode, see Tanner and Bucky find a cadence and what to talk about. The conversation goes from Commercial Real Estate in Rochester, Minnesota to dreams and ambitions that Tanner has in buying an investment property. Come learn about the local market and enjoy conversations about business and investing in real estate in this first episode of the Realty Growth Report!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanner-nordlund-54283878/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/buckybeeman/
https://twitter.com/buckybeeman